Wild Ideas Worth Living

Jessa Williams, the visionary founder of Intrsxtn Surf, discusses her journey of creating a surf collective that empowers Black women and women of color. She shares her personal transformation from a sedentary lifestyle to discovering the joy of surfing, illustrating how it fosters community and resilience. The conversation dives into the significance of inclusivity in surf culture, the role of vulnerability in personal growth, and the emotional healing that comes from connecting with the ocean and fellow surfers.

Melissa Arnot Reid is a legendary American mountaineer, adventure guide, and author who has summited Mount Everest six times—more than any other American woman. She was the first American woman to climb and descend Everest without supplemental oxygen, pushing the limits of human endurance. Through extreme challenges and high-risk climbs, Melissa has found strength, resilience, and purpose in the mountains. Connect with Melissa: WebsiteInstagramSubstackGrab a copy of Melissa's book, EnoughThank you to our sponsors: Capital One and the REI Co-op® Mastercard® Ocean Bottle  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

David Kilgore has been a lifelong runner who found his stride in the world of ultra marathons in his 20s. Rather than pursue running as his sole profession, he charted a unique course— joining the early team at On Running while continuing to compete at an elite level. From setting records to winning the Great World Race twice, David's journey has made him a standout in the global running community.  Connect with David: Instagram Thank you to our sponsors: Capital One and the REI Co-op® Mastercard® Teva Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ayesha McGowan went from teaching music and delivering packages on a bike to shattering barriers in professional cycling, becoming the first African American female road cyclist in 2021. Though health challenges led to early retirement, Ayesha is now focused on empowering women of color in cycling and expanding access to the sport.Connect with Ayesha: Instagram A Quick Brown Fox website Thank you to our sponsors: Capital One and the REI Co-op® Mastercard® Teva Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Shyanne Orvis is a Colorado-based fly fishing guide and content creator whose deep connection to nature shapes both her career and her approach to motherhood. From the rivers of Carbondale to destinations around the world, she’s building an inclusive community on the water—inviting more women to experience the transformative power of fly fishing.Connect with Shyanne: Website Instagram Purchase tickets to Outside Festival 2025 Thank you to our sponsors: Capital One and the REI Co-op® Mastercard® Teva Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Harvey Lewis is an elite ultra runner and Guinness World Record holder for most laps completed at Big’s Backyard Ultra, a race where athletes run a 4.167-mile loop every hour until only one remains. Known for his endurance, strategy, and mental resilience, Lewis has become a defining figure in the world of ultra distance running.Connect with Harvey: Instagram If you enjoyed this episode, listen to Winning the Triple Crown of Ultra Running with Courtney Dauwalter Purchase tickets to Outside Festival 2025 Thank you to our sponsors: Capital One and the REI Co-op® Mastercard® Teva Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Liz Thomas is one of the most accomplished hikers in the U.S. She's completed the Triple Crown and set a self-supported, fastest known time on the Appalachian Trail in 2011. Liz has a ton of experience in remote parts of the wilderness, but for the past 10 years, she's been creating and hiking long-distance routes in 15 cities around the U.S.Connect with Liz: WebsiteInstagram Treeline Review If you enjoyed this episode, listen to Hello, Los AngelesPurchase your tickets to Outside Festival 2025 Thank you to our sponsors: Capital One and the REI Co-op® Mastercard® Teva Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Stephanie Vermillion is a travel journalist and author whose fascination with stargazing led her to seek out even more adventures after the sun sets. Her latest book, 100 Nights of a Lifetime, is filled with suggestions for nocturnal adventures for anyone looking to experience nature from an entirely different perspective.Connect with Stephanie: Website Instagram Check out Stephanie's new book, 100 Nights of a LifetimeThank you to our sponsors: Capital One and the REI Co-op® Mastercard® Merrell Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Brooks Bash is an entrepreneur and endurance athlete known for pursuing extraordinary challenges. In 2023, he ran a relay from Canada to Mexico to promote his natural energy drink company, Earthy. Later that year, Brooks completed 100 marathons in 100 days, equivalent to running from L.A. to New York. Just three weeks after his 100th marathon, he tackled another feat, running a 320-mile race from Santa Monica to Las Vegas.Connect with Brooks: Instagram Earthy website & InstagramThank you to our sponsors: Capital One and the REI Co-op® Mastercard® Merrell Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mo Beck is an elite climber who was born with a limb difference. For Mo, rock climbing is a puzzle, requiring her to find unique routes up the wall. Over the course of her career, Mo earned a spot on the national paralympic climbing team and has been a top tier competitor at countless national and international climbing events. Now, she's encouraging other adaptive climbers to rethink the limits of what their bodies can do.Connect with Mo: Website InstagramThank you to our sponsors: Capital One and the REI Co-op® Mastercard® Merrell Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.